HOME UPGRADE:
Better Indoor Air Quality When we consider air quality, our first thought may be to think about outdoor pollution. However, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the air inside our homes can be as polluted, or even more so, than the air outside.
Many models can even connect to a smartphone app to combine convenience with a soothing mood booster that supports health and wellness. KEEP UP WITH CLEANING Textiles like carpeting, rugs and window treatments can attract dust and dander, reducing air quality. It’s important to regularly clean and air out decorative fabrics and surfaces, especially thick carpet that is likely to host dust mites and bacteria.
This is partly due to increasingly energy-efficient home construction and the growing use of synthetic materials in furnishings and interior finishes. The air inside your home also contains pollutants from everyday activities like cooking, bathing and cleaning. Pets and dust mites contribute to poor air quality, as well.
help control bacteria, mold and mildew.
On average, Americans spend an estimated 90% of their time indoors, according to the EPA. All that time with minimal access to daylight and fresh air can take a toll on our health. For example, damp and moldy environments can increase the risk of developing asthma by up to 40%, according to the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics. With all the extra time we’re at home due to the pandemic, here are some ways to manage indoor air quality. SUPPORT YOUR HVAC SYSTEM Without regular servicing and frequent filter replacements, it’s easy for standard HVAC systems to fall short. This is especially true in older homes or in households where there’s a high volume of allergens like dust or pet dander. Adding standalone or integrated devices can give your HVAC system some extra support. Air purifiers help filter pollutants while ultraviolet lights purify the air and
Another common pitfall is humidity control. Too much moisture can contribute to air quality problems. On the other hand, air that’s too dry can promote dusty, abrasive conditions that are hard on allergies and other respiratory conditions. IMPROVE FRESH AIR VENTILATION Improved ventilation allows you to clear out stale, polluted indoor air and circulate fresh, outdoor air in your home. Polluted air tends to stagnate at the ceiling, so one effective and energy-efficient way to create natural ventilation is with skylights that open. When you open skylights in combination with vertical windows, you create natural airflow that can help release indoor air pollutants and bring in fresh, clean air to keep your home healthy and pleasant. Today’s skylights can also be automated to open and close at regular intervals or extend and retract shades to block light as needed.
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DON’T ADD TO THE PROBLEM Burning a candle may make a room smell fresh and clean, but it’s doing little to help improve your air quality. In fact, you’re just masking unappealing odors while releasing harmful particles into the air. Similarly, smoking indoors traps those chemicals inside your home, which can wreak havoc on air quality. WATCH FOR UNEXPECTED CULPRITS Gas appliances can emit hazardous chemicals and compounds, like nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, contributing to poor indoor climates when not properly ventilated. Homes with gas stoves contain 50 to 400 percent higher concentrations of nitrogen dioxide than those with electric stoves, and the EPA found prolonged exposure to the gas can lead to asthma and other respiratory issues. With thoughtful upgrades, adjustments and care, you can enjoy a home filled with fresh, healthy air and comfortable surroundings year-round.
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(Sponsored by Velux, whyskylights.com)
